If you’re considering a permanent contraceptive solution, it’s important that you arm yourself with all the details you need to make an informed decision. Choosing this kind of contraception is a big step, and you’ll want to feel confident in whatever you decide.

To help you navigate your options, here’s an overview of the types of permanent contraceptive solutions available.

Traditional Vasectomies

During a traditional vasectomy, a part of each vas deferens tube—through which sperm travels from the testes to the urethra—is cut using a scalpel, tied, and put back into the scrotum. Then, both ends of the vas deferens are closed up with stitches. With this procedure, either one or two incisions must be made to expose the tubes from the testes.

This is done under local anesthesia or with conscious sedation plus local anesthesia. In the case of the former, pain medicine is injected directly into the scrotum with a needle. In the case of the latter, also referred to as “twilight sedation,” patients receive sedating medications in addition to local anesthesia to relieve anxiety.

No-Needle, No-Scalpel Vasectomies

No-needle, no-scalpel vasectomies, as their name implies, are minimally invasive procedures. With this type of vasectomy, a “hydrospray”—used for many dental procedures—is used to numb the area instantly.

In traditional vasectomies, the next step would be making a tiny opening in the scrotum so that the vas deferens could be cut with a scalpel, tied, and put back into the scrotum. With the no-needle, no-scalpel method, however, no scalpel is needed. Instead, a single, tiny puncture is made, with no stitches or sutures required. The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes.

This option greatly reduces any risk of bruising and scarring as well as any pain or discomfort during and after the vasectomy.

Female Permanent Contraception

If you’re considering permanent contraception with a female partner, you may have looked into tubal ligation as well. Commonly referred to as “tube tying,” tubal ligation also permanently prevents pregnancy.

During this procedure, the fallopian tubes are cut, tied, or blocked in order to prevent the eggs, which are released by the ovaries, from traveling through the fallopian tubes into the uterus, where they then could be fertilized by sperm.

Tubal ligation, which involves making incisions in the abdomen, can be performed after childbirth or in tandem with other abdominal surgeries, including C-sections. Risks include damage to the bowel, bladder, or major blood vessels; continued pelvic or abdominal pain; and infected incisions.

This procedure—which is more complex, riskier, and more painful than vasectomies—isn’t right for everyone, and women with diabetes, obesity, or a history of other pelvic or abdominal surgeries may not be good candidates.

Learn More

The San Diego Vasectomy Center (SDVC) is proud to serve as a leading provider of no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomies as well as no-pain vasectomies, in which Exparel, a powerful, long-lasting anesthetic, is provided for three days after the procedure, allowing patients to resume their usual activities with minimal discomfort.

To learn more about your options for permanent contraception or to set up a consultation, reach out to the SDVC team today.